How to help an Adderall addict

Suggestions on how to deal with an Adderall addict and Adderall addiction here.

4
minute read

Addiction can be defined as an ongoing use of mood-altering substances regardless of the negative consequences in one’s life. Addiction is a complicated condition and early intervention and treatment can lead to long term sobriety.

But how do you open the conversation with someone you love or are concerned about? What resources can you use and what are you supposed to do? We explore the current modalities for addiction to Adderall and its treatment here. Then, we invite your questions or comments at the end. In fact, we do our best to respond to all legitimate queries with a personal and prompt response.

Can you help an Adderall addict quit?

Technically, no.

Forcing, coercing, or otherwise trying to control an addict seldom leads to successful treatment outcomes. Because of the way any drug addiction changes brain function, it can be hard for an Adderall addict to break away and seek treatment. Plus, there are several factors that contribute and play a role in addiction, including past trauma and unresolved psychological or emotional issues.

Sometimes, just seeing the signs of Adderall addiction can be helpful. You can note them down with examples for your loved one. But sometimes an addict needs to hit rock bottom or be a mess before s/he seeks treatment. In other cases, mandatory treatment or intervention is necessary in order for some people to seek treatment. But once someone is ready to get better, there are several pathways to recovery from Adderall addiction. So what can you do?

Helping an Adderall addict friend

Usually, we think addiction only affects the addict. While this may primarily be the case, addiction also has an impact on those around addicts. Many times, people enable the behavior of addicts without knowing it. Loved ones may not say anything or make allowances for their behavior. Families might cover for an addict or lend them money so they can get their hands on Adderall. Other times, if the medication is prescribed, many rationalize Adderall use as a necessity.

The best way to help an Adderall addict is not to be an enabler. Addicts whose families also participate in the recovery process and get their own help are said to be more successful in maintaining recovery for the addict. By holding yourself accountable for the way you interact with an addict, you start to set limits.

You can also practically help an Adderall addict by learning how Adderall addiction is treated. Help your friend by making phone calls. Or you may be the support they need while they are seeking treatment and developing new boundaries. If the person addicted to Adderall is really close to you, seek your own counseling from a licensed counselor or psychotherapist. Alternative, seek out support from groups such as Al-Anon or Narc-Anon to learn how to repair your relationship.

Self-help and Adderall addiction

Can an addict quit a drug and deal with addiction on their own? Maybe. While possible, this is usually not the case. Stimulants such as Adderall should be slowly tapered before attempting withdrawal to prevent severe or intense symptoms. This is why medical advice is helpful.

Otherwise, beside taking a pharmacological approach to treating addiction there are behavioral approaches which are recommended for the treatment of Adderall addiction. Behavioral treatments for Adderall consist of talk therapy, group therapy, and support groups. Psychotherapy helps addicts identify the root cause of their drug use and what contributes to it. These types of discussions are best facilitated by a professional to address and prevent further addictive behaviors.

Get help for Adderall addiction

Getting help for Adderall addiction can be overwhelming. Admitting the problem and talking with someone you trust and can help immensely. Here are some suggestions for where you can start:

1. Seek out your school’s counseling office. You’re looking for a referral to multiple resources that can help treat an Adderall addiction

2. Talk with a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist trained in addictions. These professionals offer non-judgmental help for addiction and can refer you to additional resources.

3. Your first point of contact can also be a doctor. Doctors can help advise you on how to return to therapeutic use of Adderall or can help provide you with a tapering schedule if you decide to quit Adderall completely. An MD can also help you identify alternative pharmaceutical treatments if you still need medications to treat ADHD symptoms.

4. Each person has their own unique needs therefore, treating Adderall addiction is best when it is specifically catered to each person. There are several ways to treat addiction. You can seek one or many of the following types of help depending on the severity or nature of the addiction:

  • A physician
  • Addiction support groups
  • Addiction treatment centers
  • Detox clinics
  • Clinical psychiatrists
  • Clinical psychologists
  • Licensed clinical social workers
  • Trusted religious or spiritual leaders

Helping an Adderall addict questions

Still have questions about helping an Adderall addict? Please, send us your questions. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

Reference sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse: Approaches to Addiction treatment
U.S. Department of Justice: Prescription for disaster
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
I am ready to call
i Who Answers?